Elements Of Composition Review Notes Photojournalism

visual selection Determining the subject Camera position Framing the photograph Subject placement Aperture Shutter speed Deciding when to make the picture

Filling the frame This is when the photographer uses most of or the entire frame for the subject.

Rule of Thirds This is when the photographer places the action or the subject of the photo on one of two horizontal and vertical lines that divide the photo into 9 sectors.

reflection This is when a mirror image of your subject is shown on another surface such as water or glass.

balance Henri Cartier-Bresson Dorothea Lange Balance has to do with the symmetry of the subject. If you drew a line through the center of the photo, would each half be the same? If the halves are similar, the photo does have symmetry, If the halves are not similar, the photo exhibits asymmetry.

balance

framing This is when the photographer surrounds the subject with another object in order add emphasis to the subject.

unusual angle This is when the photographer shoots the subject from higher, lower, closer, farther away than normal.

texture This is when the viewer feels like he or she could touch or feel the subject.

repetition This is when a shape, a color or an object is repeated over and over in a photo. Used a lot in abstract and object photography.

contrast This is when the subjects of your photo deliberately show a difference in colors, tonal range, shape or size.

leading lines This is when there are actual or implied lines that lead the viewer’s eye toward the subject

s-curve/diagonal lines This is when there are actual or implied lines that lead the viewer’s eye toward the subject. Similar to leading lines but the lines are curved or diagonal.

your turn You will need to locate at least one photo for each element of composition. You may look in magazines or on the internet. Copy and paste the photos into a word document and label each photo with the element of composition it represents. Please make the photos reasonable size, not too small or too large. You will work alone. No groups. When you have completed the assignment, print it out and turn it in to the correct class tray. Make sure your name and class period are clearly visible. Hang onto these notes. You will need to keep them in your class binder.